Gnocchi beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender beef, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-warming meal, this recipe brings together the best of stew and pasta into one satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
To serve 4–6, you'll need:
For the Stew:
- 500g beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gnocchi:
- 500g store-bought gnocchi (or homemade, if you prefer)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly with flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Stew
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the browned beef back to the pot, followed by beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½–2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally.
4. Cook the Gnocchi
- About 10 minutes before serving, bring the stew to a gentle boil.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender.
5. Final Touches
- Remove the bay leaves from the stew.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the gnocchi beef stew into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for Perfect Gnocchi Beef Stew
- Tender Beef: Simmer the stew slowly for tender and flavorful meat.
- Homemade Gnocchi: If you have time, making gnocchi from scratch can elevate the dish.
- Thicker Stew: Mash a few pieces of potato or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
Enjoy this comforting gnocchi beef stew, where every bite feels like a warm hug on a cold day!